outpatient

noun

out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt How to pronounce outpatient (audio)
often attributive
Synonyms of outpatientnext
: a patient who is not hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic, or associated facility for diagnosis or treatment compare inpatient

Examples of outpatient in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hiett admitted his problems with alcohol and sought outpatient treatment. Paul Monies, Oklahoma Watch, 3 Feb. 2026 In Broward, construction is already underway on a large new medical center in Pembroke Pines that will include an emergency room, specialty physicians’ offices, and an outpatient surgery center. Cindy Krischer Goodman, Miami Herald, 2 Feb. 2026 Although 22 states have enacted some reforms, none have eliminated extra fees hospitals charge at outpatient locations. Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026 At the new Reading Road location, set to open this summer, the nonprofit will continue to provide residential and outpatient treatments, but in a space that matches its intention to create a homey, warm atmosphere, the center's president and CEO JB Boothe said. Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for outpatient

Word History

First Known Use

1715, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of outpatient was in 1715

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Outpatient.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outpatient. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

outpatient

noun
out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt How to pronounce outpatient (audio)
: a patient who visits a hospital for diagnosis or treatment without staying overnight compare inpatient

Medical Definition

outpatient

noun
out·​pa·​tient ˈau̇t-ˌpā-shənt How to pronounce outpatient (audio)
: a patient who is not hospitalized overnight but who visits a hospital, clinic, or associated facility for diagnosis or treatment compare inpatient

More from Merriam-Webster on outpatient

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